Earwax has another name, cerumen, and it is a natural substance that glands in the ear canal produce. It helps protect the ear from dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles. However, sometimes earwax can accumulate too much and cause problems such as ear pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or infection. Here are five ways that earwax buildup can cause ear pain and how to get rid of it safely and effectively.
Earwax blockage:
When earwax becomes hard and compacted, it can block the ear canal and create pressure on the eardrum. This can cause a feeling of fullness, discomfort, or pain in the ear. To remove earwax blockage, you can get a professional’s help in getting it out. Do not use cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects to poke or scrape the earwax, as this can damage the ear canal or push the wax deeper.
Ear infection:
When earwax buildup prevents proper drainage of fluid from the middle ear, it can create a moist environment that allows bacteria or fungi to grow and cause an infection. This can result in inflammation, swelling, pus, fever, and severe pain in the ear. To treat an ear infection, you may need to see a doctor who can prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications. You can also use pain relievers, warm compresses, or saline rinses to ease the symptoms.
Ear eczema:
When earwax buildup irritates the skin of the ear canal, it can cause a condition called ear eczema. This is a type of dermatitis that causes redness, itching, scaling, or cracking of the skin. This can make the ear more sensitive to pain and prone to infection. To manage ear eczema, you can use moisturizing creams or ointments that contain hydrocortisone or other anti-inflammatory ingredients. You can also avoid scratching or rubbing the ear and use mild soap and water to clean it gently.
Ear injury:
When earwax buildup interferes with the normal movement of the eardrum or the bones in the middle ear, it can cause damage to these structures and result in pain. This can happen when you experience a sudden change in air pressure, such as during flying or diving, or when you expose your ears to loud noises, such as concerts or fireworks. You can use earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears from loud sounds and chew gum or swallow frequently to equalize the pressure in your ears when traveling.
Ear tumor:
In rare cases, earwax buildup can be a sign of a benign or malignant tumor in the ear canal or the middle ear. This can cause pain, hearing loss, bleeding, or facial paralysis. To diagnose an ear tumor, you may need to undergo imaging tests such as a CT or MRI scan and a biopsy of the tissue. To treat an ear tumor, you may need surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the tumor.
Earwax buildup is a common problem that can cause ear pain and other complications if left untreated. By following these tips, you can keep your ears healthy and avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Ear Infection in Children – Primary Cause of Ear Pain
Ear infections are a common ailment among people of all ages but children are particularly at risk. Many parents have heard about the classic symptoms of ear infections which include ear pain, fever, and difficulty hearing.
However, there are other less obvious signs that can indicate an ear infection is present. You would only get to know about the less talked about indications at a hearing clinic. That’s why we will explore some of these symptoms of ear infections in children to understand the importance of visiting a hearing clinic without delays.
Having trouble sleeping:
When your little one is down with an ear infection, they may have trouble sleeping due to discomfort or pain in the affected ear. Parents may find that their child has been tossing and turning more than usual at night to wake up frequently. All of these things could be pointing towards an ear infection. The best thing to do in such a situation is to rush towards a reliable hearing clinic to get your child’s ear checked.
Irritability:
We all know the age when children are found to be extremely fussy at times but sometimes it could be due to an ear infection. Sometimes you see that your kids are more irritable than usual and cry more often but fail to explain why. Then it could very well be a case of ear infection in development. Ear infections can be painful and that could make a child a little more uneasy and crankier.
Loss of balance:
Human’s inner ear is directly responsible for their balance and spatial orientation so when it gets infected, people experience imbalance or even dizziness. For a child to get dizzy out all of a sudden could be harmful and an obvious sign that something isn’t right with their ear. If you notice that your child doesn’t seem steady on their feet or has unexplained dizziness, then better rush to a hearing clinic.
Poor appetite:
Children with an ear infection may experience a loss of appetite. They may not be interested in eating or may only want to eat certain types of food. This is because the pain and discomfort associated with an ear infection can make it difficult to swallow or chew.
Speech delays:
Children with chronic ear infections may experience delays in speech development. This is because the infection can affect the hearing, making it difficult for the child to hear and understand language. If you notice that your child is not speaking as clearly or as often as they should be, it may be a sign that they have an ear infection.
Things to note:
It helps to consider that not all children will experience these symptoms when they have an ear infection. However, if you notice any of these signs in your child, it is important to seek help from a hearing clinic right away. A hearing clinic can diagnose an ear infection and provide the appropriate treatment to help your child feel better.
At a hearing clinic, a qualified audiologist can perform a thorough evaluation of your child’s hearing and identify any potential issues. They can also provide treatment options, such as antibiotics or ear drops, to help clear up the infection and alleviate any associated pain or discomfort.
Though ear infections are a common ailment among children, many parents are not aware of the classic symptoms. There are some less obvious signs that can indicate an ear infection and being able to identify those is crucial. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is important to seek help from a hearing clinic right away.
Symptoms Of Blocked Ears And Solutions
Waking up in the morning and finding out that your ears are blocked is a very common problem that many people face.
While a blocked ear might not necessarily induce pain or discomfort, the inconvenience of muffled sounds and the effort to hear normally can be bothersome to many.
Let’s get into the potential reasons for clogged or blocked ears and how to solve them.
Experiencing the discomfort of muffled sounds and the need to strain to hear others can be a nuisance, even if it does not involve any type of pain. While blocked ears can sometimes naturally resolve within a few hours or days, the application of certain home remedies can expedite the process. While you may use home remedies, it is generally advised to seek professional medical help if the problem persists.
Common causes of clogged ears
Below are some of the common causes of clogged ears:
Eustachian tube blockage
One possible cause of ear blockage is dysfunction in the Eustachian tube, which is a passage connecting the middle ear and throat. Fluid and mucus normally flow from the ear to the back of the throat through this channel, aiding in the body’s self-cleaning process. However, during infections like the common cold, flu, or sinusitis, fluid and mucus can become trapped in the middle ear, leading to clogging.
Altitude Changes
The Eustachian tube also plays a major role in equalizing the pressure in the middle ear. During rapid altitude changes, this process might not occur smoothly, leading to ear discomfort. Activities like mountain ascent, scuba diving, or airplane travel can lead to this condition.
This condition may be a sign of altitude sickness if it causes symptoms like nausea, shortness of breath, and headaches. It could also be barotrauma or airplane ear, a diagnosis that applies when pain, hearing loss, or dizziness are present.
Ear Infections
Ear infections, often categorized as outer ear infections, and middle ear inflammation are also prominent culprits or clogged. Swimmer’s ear occurs due to retained water after swimming, creating a conductive environment for bacterial or fungal growth. Symptoms include ear pain, redness, fluid discharge, and fever.
Earwax accumulation
Earwax serves as a natural protector, keeping the ear canal clean and preventing debris from entering. However, it can harden and lead to blockages. However, it can harden and lead to blockages. Excessive wax production can also contribute to this problem. Some of the symptoms of this include earache, ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, and dizziness.
Effective Strategies for Relief
Now that we’ve discussed all the major reasons for ear blockage, let’s discuss some strategies for relief.
- Dislodging trapped fluid: Gently moving an index finger within the affected ear or using a low-heat hairdryer can help clear trapped fluid.
- The Valsalva maneuver: This technique aids in opening the Eustachian tube and releasing trapped fluid. By pinching the nose and gently exhaling through it, pressure can be created to unclog the ear. Care should be taken to avoid excessive force.
- Inhaling Stream: Sitting in a steam-filled bathroom or using a warm washcloth over the ear can help loosen mucus.
- Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines or decongestant-containing cold or sinus medications can provide relief from ear blockages caused by sinus drainage, colds, or allergies.
Conclusion
Clogged or blocked ears are a common condition many people face. However, it is always advised to seek professional help instead of the do-it-yourself approach. This is due to the dangers associated with self-remedies. One small wrong move can damage the ear’s function, which is one of the most delicate organs of our body.
